Perez tests black Ferrari ahead as part of Cadillac programme

Perez, who parted ways with Red Bull at the end of 2024 despite having two years remaining on his contract, used his time away to reset after nearly two decades of non stop racing. He eventually signed to spearhead Cadillac’s entry and is now working through an intense winter programme to be ready for January.

As a new team Cadillac do not have a Testing of Previous Cars programme, so they have arranged with engine supplier Ferrari to run one of Maranello’s 2023 machines at Imola. The car is unbranded in an all black livery, with Perez also in black overalls and helmet.

The goal is to give Perez a refresher in current generation Formula 1 machinery and allow Cadillac personnel to work alongside Ferrari’s TPC crew. It is the first time engineers and mechanics from the new team have been together in a live environment, running through procedures and validating simulator work.

Perez completed his seat fit at Maranello last week before the Thursday and Friday test. “I think it is great to get the running and also the timing works perfectly because it is just before the January test,” he told F1.com. “On these two days, on the physical side, I want to see how much I have lost, where I need to work on. It will give me a very good guide for the winter.”

He added that the test is also about communication. “It is a chance to start working together with the team, with the engineers, with the mechanics and start to speak the same language. It is definitely a great time for us.”

Perez has not driven an F1 car since his final race for Red Bull in December 2024. Speaking to Reuters ahead of the test, he said the outing was important for building rhythm with Cadillac and practising race weekend procedures. “It is basically just a time for us to be able to get together with the engineers, mechanics, start working all together, you know, start talking the same language,” he explained.

He also admitted curiosity about his physical condition after a year out. “I am curious to find out how many laps my neck will do before it gets destroyed,” he said with a smile. “But it is a great test and a great way to finish the year before getting back in the car next year.”

Perez has been a regular visitor to Cadillac’s UK and US bases since signing in the summer, combining simulator sessions with engineering meetings. He was at the Silverstone factory on Monday for more briefings and a seat fit in Cadillac’s first Formula 1 monocoque, designed for the sweeping 2026 regulations.

Following the Imola test, the Mexican will resume simulator work, increase technical meetings and begin a winter training block to ensure he hits January at full speed.

Next year Perez will partner Valtteri Bottas, who has also had a season on the sidelines as Mercedes reserve. Bottas is still under contract until the end of this year and will therefore have to wait for his first on track running with Cadillac.

Perez’s Imola test marks Cadillac’s first real step into Formula 1 and the beginning of the new team’s on track era.